Melanie Baker

After a long and valiant battle with cancer, our beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Melanie Baker, returned to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on January 18, 2014. Melanie was born January 30, 1966 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Lee Craige and La Rae Baker. The oldest of their six children, Melanie was always the kindest of the bunch. She spent her childhood in Midvale, UT and moved to Chubbuck in 1976. She graduated in 1984 from Highland High School and attended Ricks College for a time.

After getting her cosmetology license, Melanie began working for Fred Meyer where she touched every life she came in contact with and taught more than one person the value of hard work and a strong work ethic. Even through her fight with cancer she continued to work. She worked as long as her doctors would allow her.

Melanie had an active imagination and was always ready for an adventure- whether it was trying a strange new food or traveling (literally and literarily). Disneyland was her laughing place. She loved anything and everything that has to do with Disney. Everywhere she went she saw beauty. She would watch the clouds and find Mickey Mouse and take a picture so she could show it to everyone. She and her sister Kim bought a house in Pocatello and labored to make it their own private Disneyland- from the inner decor to the arrangement of the gardens.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pocatello West 29th Ward. She adored her calling as Activity Days Leader. Above all else she loved her family. Her nieces and nephews were her world. She would throw parties for them and make themed presents for them. She loved to be surrounded by happiness and laughter.

She is survived by her parents, L Craige and La Rae Baker, siblings Randy (Lisa) Baker, Kimberlee Baker, Valeri Baker Reece, Heather Baker, Travis (JaNeil) Baker, nephews Dallin Reece, Donaven Baker, Oren Baker, nieces Shayla Baker, Sadie Miller, Macy Baker, Jenna Baker and soon to join the family, Melanie LeeAnna Baker.

Melanie was the peacemaker of the family and her presence will be sorely missed. Watching Disney movies and listening to the music just won't be the same anymore, but we know she is out of pain and she fought a long, hard battle. Dearest Noanie, T.T.F.N.- ta ta for now!

There will be a viewing Wednesday, January 22 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road from 6:00-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 23 at the LDS Church building, 1700 W. Kinghorn Road in Pocatello at 11 am with a viewing from 10:00-10:45. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences for the family can be left at wilksfuneralhome.com.